What goes into filmmaking that inspires, entertains, and moves people all at once? If you’ve recently watched the 12th Fail full movie, chances are you already know what we are talking about. It is not some ordinary story, but an inspiring tale of struggle and triumph, streaming now on the Watcho app for a seamless viewing experience.
Let’s draw back the curtain and dive into the exciting behind-the-scenes action of this much-talked-about movie!
Contents
1. Heart of the Story
12th Fail is a novel by Anurag Pathak, on whose basis the film is produced. The protagonist, Manoj Kumar Sharma, is just like a mirror image of the sacrifices of millions of students who aspire to become IAS officers. Vidhu Vinod Chopra always had that urge to identify stories that would emotionally connect with an audience (Parinda, Munna Bhai MBBS, anyone?).
Shot all across India- from the busy streets of Delhi to the tranquil loveliness of Madhya Pradesh- this film brings life to the challenge of trying to chase one’s dreams in the face of adversity. What’s cool is that the hero of this film, Vikrant Massey, spent months learning the nuances of Manoj’s life and journey.
Fun Fact: Vikrant had spent some time living in a student hostel to get an insider’s view on the financial as well as emotional strain that comes with students preparing for competitive exams. That’s dedication indeed!
2. Real Locations That Add Authenticity
No film sets, here! Real-life locations looked like something the filmmakers couldn’t get enough of. From Old Delhi’s narrow lanes to Mukherjee Nagar, whose coaching centers are a Mecca for every aspiring IAS candidate, every location has been chosen with just one intention-to tell Manoj’s story the way it should be.
Old Delhi: The heart of India’s capital, its roads, the chaotic streets, the charm of old times-all these created a perfect background to display Manoj’s humble beginnings.
Mukherjee Nagar: A character in itself. This is the hotspot for civil service aspirants, where dreams are built, and often shattered. The 12th fail OTT film captures the raw energy and tension as students prepare day and night in cramped, shared spaces.
3. Vikrant Massey’s Transformation
Vikrant Massey didn’t just depend on the script for bringing in a real-life hero like Manoj. He dug deep into the life of the man he was portraying. Vikrant had never been through the grind of competitive exams himself, but to make his character believable, he:
- Spent time in IAS coaching centers in Delhi to understand the mindset of the aspirants
- Shadowed real civil service officers to understand their world.
- Learned the dialect of Manoj for authenticity
Fun Fact: Vikrant Massey, who has always had ripped and toned abs, had to call off his regular gym to be able to get into the skin of a stressed student prepping for examinations!
4. Music That Hits the Right Note
And that would not have been the same without a soulful soundtrack in this movie like 12th Fail. Guess what? The song “Manzil Se Door” has become the anthem for students. It is composed by the legendary Shantanu Moitra, and if you have actually experienced that struggle and hope so beautifully captured in this song with cramming hours before your exams, it is sure to connect to you.
Interesting Fact: The shoot for this song sequence was being done in Madhya Pradesh, when the rain started pouring suddenly. They went ahead with it instead of stopping, and that was the take for the last shot, where the raindrops were falling all over the actor’s body. And it came out raw and real; no one had planned it.
5. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Unique Directorial Touch
Vidhu Vinod Chopra is no normal director. He is also thorough and to the point about his portrayal. The cast and crew of 12th Fail used to kidnap each other and tell them that even if he noticed the one-minute thing was out of place, they would shoot the whole scene again! It was such dedication that made the film so natural.
Chopra was all for it to look real rather than feel real. He was a no-nonsense man when he insisted on shooting scenes in real examination halls and coaching institutes. Even in small things like the way the papers are handed out in the exam room, perfection was evident.
Fun Fact: Chopra kept the entire crew quiet for an hour for one intense scene so that he could capture the “real” tension that students feel when an exam is about to start. The silence was so unnerving that even off-camera staff members started feeling anxious!
6. The Crew Behind the Magic
No film is ever done without a hardworking crew, who themselves seldom receive the attention they deserve. Cinematographers led by Rangarajan Ramabadran followed Vikrant Massey through the streets of the old city, using handheld cameras to give it a feel that comes extremely close to a documentary.
Fun Fact: The crew staged an exciting street scene with more than 500 extras without anyone knowing it was a film. Complete bedlam and energy were there, thus making the scene one of the most memorable.
Feel The Magic of 12th Fail OTT Now!
The magic of 12th Fail does not lie in the story but is purely found in the effort, the passion, and the dedication of every single person involved in the making. Be it Vikrant Massey’s incredible performance or Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s perfectionist approach-this film definitely celebrates grit and determination. No failure is ever final until you give up.
Don’t miss out on the streaming opportunity of 12th Fail and the latest movies on Watcho. It’s your perfect destination for stories that linger long after the credits roll. Catch all the emotional highs and lows of this inspiring film on the Watcho app. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be inspired!
